GRcade

Zellery wrote:Doesn't sound like you've mastered the dodge Fishy. It's the key.

I think you're right. I think I had but games don't stay in my head anymore. A small break and BAM.. totally feckin forgotten how to play.

This game.

I love the episode delivery. Nice, edible chunks of game that finish at a nice point to take a break and digest. I'm actually quite enjoying the combat, too, and I like how the story's told with the manuscript and constant narration.

Looks gorgeous, too.

One thing that really annoys me is the constant reminder by the game is RUN TO THE LIGHTS if you're being overwhelmed. How can I if Alan Wake can't run more than mere seconds without having stitches and puffing.

Thankfully there's always plenty of ammo as the game does force you to fight. Once I was back-pedalling away from enemies and the stupid camera zooms out to reveal other enemy that's behind you. Yeah thanks!

The combat is fine for what it is but it soon becomes grating. So keep yourself sane by playing an episode a day.

Wedgie wrote:One thing that really annoys me is the constant reminder by the game is RUN TO THE LIGHTS if you're being overwhelmed. How can I if Alan Wake can't run more than mere seconds without having stitches and puffing.

Thankfully there's always plenty of ammo as the game does force you to fight. Once I was back-pedalling away from enemies and the stupid camera zooms out to reveal other enemy that's behind you. Yeah thanks!

The combat is fine for what it is but it soon becomes grating. So keep yourself sane by playing an episode a day.

This is one thing that annoyed me as well! I know Alan's just a "normal man", but he can barely run 5 yards without being on his last legs. It kinda reminds me of the Simpsons episode where Marge runs after Snake and Homer tries to catch Marge but after like 2 seconds of running he's already out of breathe

I don't know if this has been mentioned yet but as part of a Christmas bundle, for the 250GB Xbox - Microsoft are offering a free copy of Forza 3 and a free download of Alan Wake. I wonder why they don't just put the physical copy of the game as part as the bundle. I'm surprised Microsoft haven't done what they did with Fable 2 and let players download the first episode for free and then let them buy future episodes when they feel.

I can see why they are putting it up as a download only offer. MS are making a lot of money off X-Box Live, and they are trying to entice new owners to join up, and in order to boast that a lot of 360s are connected to the internet.

I don't know why I'm constantly moaning about Alan Wake. It seems to you lot that I hated the game but in reality it's opposite.

Wedgie wrote:I can see why they are putting it up as a download only offer. MS are making a lot of money off X-Box Live, and they are trying to entice new owners to join up, and in order to boast that a lot of 360s are connected to the internet.

I don't know why I'm constantly moaning about Alan Wake. It seems to you lot that I hated the game but in reality it's opposite.

What did you think of the two DLC episodes out of interest???

The Signal - Pretty much the same as the main game, really.

The story aspect of it is fairly weak, too many combat scenes. But I actually like the way that it's showing that Alan Wake is falling into madness as he progress through the episode, and the way the map changes around. And the words littering around the map is there to remind you that this is actually Alan's imagination going wild and crazy (although I would have prefer Alan The Writer to write that he's much more fitter than before and CAN shoot light beams from his eyes or... just write in more powerful weapons if necessary. )

The Writer - Possibly slighty better than The Signal. The scenario where you are fighting your way up to the lighthouse is probably one of the better set pieces in the entire game. An enemy was attacking me, and I dodged it, triggering the slo-mo camera effect as the lighthouse's light beam hits the enemy and he explodes in slo-mo. And it does leave an opening for the sequel.

Basically, it's worth it if you like the main game despite the flaws. Don't like the main game? Don't get the episodes.

Hmm, must admit I enjoyed that a lot more after the early parts. The second half was good.

I still got much of a clue what's going on mind

Chapter 2 down. End felt like a bit of a cop-out. All these giant holes in walls and forest falling apart made it look like there was going to be a possessed bear or something to take down, but instead I get a chainsaw wielding Taken (as opposed to an AXE wielding one) and some birds.

Combat's wearing a bit thin now, too. It's more like spinning plates than anything, and I hate the way he won't put in a damn battery himself, but will do a shitty 1-bullet reload no problem.

Hang on. The Writer is out?

Managed to miss that.

Started The Writer earlier today. TBH I'm getting a little tired of being told I'm in a 'dark place'. And I'm certainly getting tired of fighting the same enemies in the same way as I did during the main game.
Got to the Lighthouse. Will finish it tomorrow and probably contemplate putting my Ltd Ed on Ebay.

Neither of these DLC packs have been as good as the main game, at some points I thought both packs could've easily been shorter, short as they are already - they seem to drag on at moments. Felt a little bit ripped off at the end of the Writer, then realised I only spent 560 points so I shouldn't be so tight.

But my purchase, given the ending of The Writer, seems to me to only be justified if there's a full sequel.

Im glad I got back to playing this game, I am really enjoying the whole experiance. The music also really fits, the characters are brilliant (Especially Barry)

This is one game i'll keep and replay one day

Both DLC episodes are available for 200 points - Today only!
http://marketplace.xbox.com:80/en-GB/Pr ... n#LiveZone

Im in! Been wanting The Writer for a while! That's boxing day sorted for me then!

I finished the Signal yesterday and quite enjoyed it, not that different from the main game but I've not got tired of the combat like some.

Codename 47 wrote:This is one thing that annoyed me as well! I know Alan's just a "normal man", but he can barely run 5 yards without being on his last legs.

You have to understand: Alan sits at his desk writing his amazing novels all day. He never moves. His leg muscles have surely atrophied. TEH REALISMS!

I'll pick up The Writer at for 200 points, perhaps it'll be better than the abysmal The Signal.

Compare the "running" to Silent Hill 2, though. It was either "walk", or "jog for a few seconds, before getting completely out of breath". You guys don't know how good you've got it in games these days

I thought this game was pretty terrible but I'm going to try The Writer for that cost. As long as it isn't too heavy on the abysmal combat this time round.